Gaffer Expects Tough Encounter

Manager Lee Johnson is expecting a tough clash when he takes his side to London Road on Saturday to face second-placed Peterborough United.

A Danny Philliskirk double last weekend sealed Latics victory and saw them extend their unbeaten record to seven games, something which pleased the gaffer.

Looking ahead to Saturday's encounter, Johnson believes his side can compete against the Posh.

He said: "I expect them to have a lot of energy in the front four and they are busy, dynamic players. They have a strong defence and they are up there for a reason. Darren Ferguson does well with his teams but they do have chinks in their armour that we look to exploit. We will go there full of confidence that we can get a result.

"Peterborough have got a fantastic record of picking up players from non-league and selling them on. They have got an effective system there but we have to deal with that. Some of them will be finding their feet but we have some internationals in our side.

"We have got to go there and respect that they are a good side but know we are a good side as well. It is up to us that we go there and show them what we are about."

Last week's result meant Latics have now only lost three of their last 22 games and the manager is delighted with how his team have adapted this season.

"The work rate and energy is really important in the players. We have little spells in games, good and bad, but we have probably had too much draws," added Johnson.

"We've been looking for the front group to deliver a little bit more and defensively we have done well. I'm really big on my team having good work rate and we'll get there. We have a solid basis at the moment and we can add later on."

With ten league games already gone this season, the 33-year-old admitted it the division will be tough to call come the end of the season.

"I still think we can improve. It is a very tight league this season and it's going to be a marathon not a sprint. Everyone is beatable and beatable by anyone else. Usually the league pans out over ten games but it won't be like that this season," commented Johnson.